CINDY’S POV
Silence stretched between us like a taut wire, tense and unyielding. Vicky’s piercing eyes bore into mine, daring me to lie.
But I couldn’t. I dare not.
Eight years of hiding, of fake last names and fake backstories, and it took one screaming pageant princess and a pair of gold invitations to blow the whole thing wide open.
I might as well just come clean now, since tonight all my secrets would inevitably be revealed. Letting her find out the truth herself at the party would only make things worse.
I inhaled deeply, the breath so harsh it seemed to scrape my lungs raw.
“I’m sorry, bestie,” I whispered. “I’m so, so sorry I never told you.”
Vicky’s hand swept boldly across my shoulder, a touch that stung just enough to ache, yet felt like love.
“YES! I KNEW IT!” She jumpe
